International Roaming - The Solution?
So here's the deal. I like to travel, but I don't like are the roaming charges that Australian ISPs sting you with (who does?!). Thankfully there is a solution and it's rather simple. Here goes:
- If you don't have a Skype account already, go and get one.
- Buy yourself an Online Number - make sure this is from the same country as your mobile phone (in my case, Australia).
- Before you leave the country, contact your ISP and get them to forward calls from your mobile phone to your new Skype Online Number.
- When you arrive at your destination, buy a local SIM card (preferably one with free incoming calls).
- Get on the internet and set up Skype Call Forwarding and forward your Skype calls to your new local number.
- Viola! Now all calls made to your home mobile number will come through at the cost of a local call forward (included in most cap plans) and a local call to the country you're currently in!
Yes, it's that simple! For the cost of a Skype Online Number (<AU$10 per month), whatever your local mobile provider chargers for call forwarding (usually included in your cap) and a local Skype call to the country you're visiting, you have international roaming. For outgoing calls your best bet is probably to find a decent WiFi connection and call using Skype, Viber or some other free VoiP service on your mobile.
